Eyman Fatima powers Pakistan to series victory

Pakistan clinched a comprehensive 67-run win over Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I on Thursday to seal the three-match series 2-0.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan were off to a slow start, managing just 34 runs in the Powerplay while losing the wicket of Gull Feroza. They slipped into further trouble after two quick wickets reduced them to 46/3. A partnership worth 46 between Muneeba Ali and Eyman Fatima revived the innings before a defining 78-run partnership between Fatima and Natalia Pervaiz put Pakistan into the ascendancy.

While Muneeba's 36 at the top of the order was crucial in arresting a potential collapse, Fatima's unbeaten 79* ensured that they recovered to post a daunting 170/4 in their 20 overs. Pakistan were particularly stern on the bowling in the final five overs of their innings which yielded 58 runs.

In pursuit, Zimbabwe never got going. They were reduced to 29/3 inside the Powerplay before Nashra Sandhu struck twice in the same over. Another wicket in the 9th over left Zimbabwe reeling at 51/6. They crawled past 100 and avoided getting all-out while falling 67 runs short.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 170/4 in 20 overs (Eyman Fatima 79*, Muneeba Ali 36; Lindokuhle Mabhero 1-20) beat Zimbabwe 103/8 in 20 overs (Nomvelo Sibanda 18*; Nashra Sandhu 2-18, Sadia Iqbal 1-10) by 67 runs.